Dominic Calvert-Lewin arrived at Leeds United last summer after some cloud. Fans were not convinced following a few poor seasons at Everton. But the 28-year-old has proven everyone wrong.
The former Everton striker has been one of the best forwards in the Premier League since November, and his performances have led to suggestions he should be in the England squad for the World Cup next summer.
Leeds’ recruitment team deserve praise for gambling on Calvert-Lewin, and they could be trying to repeat the trick in the winter transfer window.
Daniel Farke would prefer to sign one more striker in January, and the Whites could land one more player who could soon be a free agent this month.
Terem Moffi could be the next Dominic Calvert-Lewin for Leeds
The Nice striker could be on his way out of the French club in the winter transfer window, with Leeds among the clubs that have their eyes on him.
Moffi has been at Nice since 2023, when his loan move was converted into a permanent deal. Since then, he has scored 24 goals across 72 appearances for the French side in all competitions.
However, the striker was one of the several squad members who were attacked by Nice supporters towards the end of November after a 3-1 defeat to Lorient.
The Nigerian has been on sick leave since then, and according to French sports daily L’Equipe, he is ready to take legal action to terminate his contract with Nice.
A review of the case is set to happen on Thursday, and if he is granted his exit, Leeds could snap him up on a free transfer in the winter transfer window.
He could be the ideal alternative to Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin’s goalscoring form has been a huge factor in turning around Leeds’ season. However, there are legitimate worries about the options in the squad if the 28-year-old gets injured.
Lukas Nmecha has been far from convincing, and Farke has shown little to no faith in Joel Piroe to start games in the Premier League.
If Moffi becomes available on a free transfer, Leeds would get a golden chance to sign an ideal Calvert-Lewin alternative for no transfer fee.
| Statistic (per 90) | Moffi – Value | Moffi – %ile | Calvert-Lewin – Value | Calvert-Lewin – %ile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-penalty goals | 0.40 | 60 | 0.47 | 72 |
| npxG (non-penalty xG) | 0.78 | 99 | 0.50 | 79 |
| Shots total | 3.48 | 87 | 2.98 | 74 |
| Assists | 0.00 | 6 | 0.06 | 25 |
| xAG (expected assisted goals) | 0.08 | 30 | 0.09 | 37 |
| npxG + xAG | 0.86 | 97 | 0.59 | 74 |
| Shot-creating actions | 2.14 | 47 | 2.05 | 44 |
Like Calvert-Lewin, he is a powerful, no-nonsense striker who thrives on physical duels and is comfortable making runs beyond the defensive line when the opportunity arises.
Moffi is best suited to sides that favour counter-attacking football and regular deliveries into the box, an approach that aligns closely with how the Whites have operated under Farke this season.
They have similar traits, and the Nigerian could be the perfect striker who could not only partner the 28-year-old but also come in as his alternative.
If the 49ers manage to land a similar quality striker like Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, it would be a true transfer masterclass in January.
It would also be extremely lucky.